Friday 8th July

1.30 p.m. at Helpston Parish Church. 'The Midsummer Cushion Ceremony.' The pupils of the John Clare Primary School, Helpston bring their cushions of flowers to place around the grave of John Clare. The pupils' prize-winning poems are read and prizes awarded, followed by music and prayers.

7 p.m. onwards - Langdyke Trust Activities at Torpel Manor Field, part of Helpston's history since the Norman Conquest. The Langdyke Countryside Trust will be hosting a range of walks and talks based on the history of the site.
8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Folk Music. John Clare's Birthday Music & Song Session - Peter Shaw's informal evening in the front room of the Exeter Arms, 3 Church Lane, Helpston, PE6 7DT - free admission. There is only limited space so arrive in good time - musicians & singers especially welcome - details 01778 571563 / 07946 758197 / pete@peteshaw.co.uk

Saturday 9th July

From 9.00 a.m. - coffee and toast in Botolph's Barn - near the Exeter Arms.

9.30 a.m. Festival opens in the school hall - stalls include the John Clare Society sales, booksellers, local tourist offices and exhibitions. Buy your tickets for the much-anticipated concert by the Sussex Downs Singers.

10 a.m. Marquee - Pupils from John Clare Primary School will entertain.

10.30 a.m. Marquee - Welcome and Introduction to the Festival from the Chairman of the Society followed by the Annual General Meeting.

11.15 a.m. (approx.) President's address by Ronald Blythe; followed by Hugh Lupton (Author of ‘The Ballad of John Clare’)

From 11 a.m. and throughout the day - 'An Artists' Quarter' in Botolph's Barn

Friday & Saturday - Special exhibitions of paintings in The Gallery, West Street, near to Helpston Village Stores & in Bachelor's Hall in Woodgate, Helpston.

John Clare's Cottage open 10am - 5pm (FREE to members of the Society this weekend - please remember to take your 2011/12 membership cards)

12 noon - 1 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. - 2.30 p.m. Poetry Workshops in the Scout and Guide Centre - for children aged 6-12 years, led by the Education Officers of the John Clare Cottage Trust.

12 p.m. onwards - Village Hall lunches (with music by the Woodworm Ceilidh Band).

Morris Dancers and the Peterborough Folk Dance Society perform at the Bluebell Inn and the Exeter Arms. Pennyless Folk Duo will be playing and singing around the village!
2 p.m. Marquee - 'Changing Seasons, Changing Communities' with Bernard Rapson (Fiori Musical!) and Patrick Bond (poet) present their experience of their major project 'Mad about The Seasons' through music, poetry and photography.

3 p.m. Guided Walks around Helpston - meet at the Butter Cross

3.15 p.m. - 4 p.m. St. Botolph's Church - John Clare's poetry with Peter Moyse, Peter Cox & Roger Rowe

4 - 5.30p.m. Teas in the Village Hall (with music by the Woodworm Ceilidh Band)

4.30 p.m. St Botolph's Church - Read your favourite Clare poem.

5.30 - 6 p.m. Village Green - St. Botolph's Music Group

6.30 p.m. in the Marquee at

John Clare Primary School

The Sussex Downs Singers

Songs of the Countryside followed by 'Clare's Journey'

Composed by Terence Deadman

Tickets £10

Including an interval drin

From 7.30 p.m. onwards - Folk Music in the Blue Bell at Helpston.

Sunday 10th July

11 a.m. Festival Service in St. Botolph's Church led by The Revd. Ron Ingamells
(Vice-chairman, John Clare Society).

12 noon onwards - Willow Brook Farm opposite Swaddywell, Marholm Road -- Cafe open and Family Farm Day events organised by Langdyke Trust and the local Wildlife Trust, with Clare poems to make you smile with Peter Moyse & Roger Rowe.